One dead in fireworks explosion at Texas high school

Jul. 3, 2014
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One person was killed and at least two others injured in a fireworks explosion at Comanche High School July 3, 2014 in Central Texas. / WFAA

by Doug Stanglin, USA TODAY

by Doug Stanglin, USA TODAY

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One person was killed and at least two others injured Thursday in a fireworks explosion at a Central Texas high school that was setting up for a July 4th fireworks show.

The explosion at Comanche High School occurred around 9 a.m. as crews were setting up the tubes that house the fireworks, according to Comanche Vounteer Fire Department Lt. Marcus Nettleton, WFAA-TV reports.

Nettleton said the dead and injured were local community members who had been helping with the fireworks show put on by the Kiwanis Club in Comanche for more than 20 years.

James Wilkerson, publisher of the Comanche Chief newspaper, two vehicles were set ablaze and the trailer holding the firworkers was destroyed in the blast. He said two licensed pyrotechnicians were working on the show, WFAA reports.

City Development Director Jackie Stewart said the trailer holding the fireworks exploded on the softball field next to the school, CBSDFW.COM reports.

"There was an explosion, a trailer and vehicles caught on fire," said Stewart. "Four individuals were injured, three of those critically.

The Comanche Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture said on its Facebook page that Friday's show was canceled "due to tragic circumstances.".

Comanche, with a population of about 4,300 residents, is located about 110 miles southeast of Fort Worth, halfway between Waco and Abilene.